Creative writing and Tasmania. Sound like the perfect match?
A long list of major prize-winning authors continues to position Tasmania as the quiet, peaceful achiever of our literary life. They write about the Franklin River and Macquarie Harbour, Bruny and Maria Islands and the apple orchards that once dotted our farmland. Tasmania is as much a setting for their work as it is a haven for writing.
It’s led to Hobart being named a UNESCO City of Literature, and is bolstered by a vibrant calendar of writing activities and events.
One of these is the Tamar Valley Writers Festival, and it’s providing a unique opportunity for students and aspiring writers to connect with successful authors up-close.
The festival’s Read, Write, Publish workshop is coordinated by the English and Writing Program at the University of Tasmania to provide opportunities for the local community and Bachelor of Arts students.
At events such as this, students can immerse themselves in the world of published authors and literary professionals.
Students get the chance to ask questions, seek advice and gain a deeper understanding of the literary world. Hearing first-hand the stories of how authors have navigated the publishing industry can be incredibly helpful, offering practical tips and strategies that students can apply to their own writing projects.
“I found the workshops incredibly beneficial, getting some practical assistance from writers that write as a career,” Bachelor of Arts student Cassandra Hinds says.
“I am only new to writing so therefore haven't integrated myself into the writing community... yet. I have made some contacts now from the festival so am hoping to get involved with some of the local groups.”
A small fee covers the full day of workshops, food and even the bus trip from Hobart for those who need it.
This year’s focus was speculative fiction and the line-up of writers included Adam Ouston, Jane Rawson, Angela Slatter, Danielle Wood and 2024 Hedberg Writer-in-Residence Eugen Bacon.
“Encountering real world writers, entrenched creative artists in their field of practice, as part of their development is a critical guide for students to ask questions and learn how to thrive in a borderless and tough publishing world,” Dr Bacon says.
The day also included a conversation with the commissioning editor of publishing house Affirm Press, Ruby Ashby-Orr.
For Ms Hinds, a veterinary nurse who discovered a love of creative writing, the Read, Write, Publish has proven invaluable. In the fourth year of a part-time BA, and able to access the course by distance, she says the connections formed on the day have helped her push on with her writing.
“I think the thing I have noticed is how supportive everyone is of one another,” she says. “That I feel is really important when writing is a very solo activity. To have people to bounce ideas off and learn from is invaluable.”
The full four-day festival attracted more than 1000 attendees with guests included Markus Zusak, Martin Flanagan and Kylie Moore-Gilbert.
It now takes place at the stunning new River’s Edge building on the University’s Inveresk campus.
"The Inveresk campus, and particularly the River’s Edge building and Library, have offered the festival a world-class accessible location that perfectly complements our intimate yet dynamic atmosphere,” festival co-presidents Georgie Todman and Lyndon Riggall say.
“The facilities, proximity to the city centre and scenic setting meant that writers and readers alike could open themselves to the inspiration offered by the Tamar Valley."
Senior lecturer in English Dr Robert Clarke, who co-ordinates Read, Write, Publish and spent four years on the festival’s executive, says the aim of the workshops is three-pronged: “Inspiring conversation, enlightening workshops, and a network of like-minded and inspirational peers.”
Dr Clarke says the day is part of a rich experience offered to creative writing students at the University.
“The University provides a home for aspiring Tasmanian writers and a channel for connecting the state’s authors, publishers, booksellers and teachers,” he says.
“Writing can feel like an isolating business. The English and Writing program’s engagement offerings provide Tasmanian writers with a place for connecting with, learning from and supporting one another while delivering world-class creative writing educational experiences.”
It’s a feeling echoed by the festival.
“A really significant part of our festival program was the Read, Write, Publish day, which gave students, educators and local writers practical advice and the chance to attend workshops to kick-start their writing careers,” Ms Todman and Mr Riggall say.
"The University plays a pivotal role in nurturing Tasmania’s literary community, fostering connections between writers and readers, and providing a platform for critical conversations and cultural and literary growth.”
It means more award-winning Tasmanian writers are on the way, along with their stories on the diverse life of the island.
For Ms Hinds, who works in the speculative fiction realm, that’s a positive - if still unknown - quantity.
“I feel like the community aspect is a positive and possibly the ability to get published in magazines like Island, where they have a Tasmanian writer focus,” she says.
“I think we have a unique industry here and hopefully that will support my yet to be determined goals.”
If telling stories is your passion, learn more about our English and Writing program.